"We're not critics. We're professional fan-girls." --- This blog is dedicated to movies and the entertainment industry. We use random selection to bring into light the best and worst of Netflix and off various columns highlighting new movies as well.

Mia has her whole life planned out. Even when she meets a
boy that threatens her ultimate plan, she stays on course. A sudden and tragic
car accident, however, leaves her fighting for her life.

Selina’s Point of View:

Chloe Grace Moretz (Laggies,
Kick Ass, Carrie) is an amazing actress. She transforms her roles until
they fit her. Even a depth-less character becomes something special when she
performs.

She is the reason I wanted to see this movie so badly. Sure,
the concept was intriguing… but it was Chloe that really made me want to watch.

I can’t say it was entertaining, but it wasn’t really
supposed to be. The point of the film was to trigger emotions on a deeper level
than your generic drama. Unfortunately, I didn’t really think it worked. It was
like sadness for sadness sake, very little storyline other than what you pick
up in the trailer. In fact, I feel like this is my second time watching the
film because the trailer left very little in question. I even knew the ending
within minutes of the movie’s start.

The actors did great with their parts, but great actors can’t
really help a bad adaptation. If I Stay
should have remained a book. I haven’t read it, but I’m almost positive it
would be the better platform for telling this story.

Cat’s Point of View:

I have wanted to see this film since the trailers first
aired for it. The story seemed compelling and tragic – with just enough hope.
The few moments of the teasers made me misty; I knew I was in for a
roller-coaster.

Chloë Grace Moretz (Let
Me In, Dark Shadows, Hugo) is a joy to watch, especially when her heart is
breaking right on the screen for you. She pulls you in with her as the girl
lost in her music, and rips your heart out with the decision she has to
face. From vigilante to victim, I have
enjoyed watching her career blossom.

The film does an excellent job of endearing this family to
you. The Halls are the kind of laid back parents that everyone wishes they had.
Their surprise, sacrifice, and support are all put together in a masterful
puzzle. Mireille Enos (World War Z,
Sabotage, The Captive) and Joshua Leonard (The Town that Dreaded Sundown, 6 Years, The Ever After) were
brilliant in their supporting roles.

I think Stacy Keach (The
Boxer, The Portal, Planes) was the tipping point for me, though. I was a
little sniffly before his key scene, but afterwards I think I was all out
bawling.

If I’m being fair, however, I have to note that the whole
movie wasn’t squeezing my heart for tears, only most of it. There were some
lighter moments within the interaction between Mia and Adam, played by Jamie
Blackley (Vinyl, The Fifth Estate,
Irrational Man), that were warm and even funny.

Fans of Stephen King’s Under
the Dome (2013-) might recognize one of the nurses in this film. Aisha
Hinds (Lost Dream, Unstoppable, Beyond
the Lights) was a pleasant surprise, here.

I loved this movie in spite of it holding a mosh pit on my
emotions. This one is probably going into my collection in the “Wall-o-Movies”
at my house. I would recommend it; and also bringing plenty of tissue when you
watch it.

Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score – 36%

Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score – 62%

Netflix’s Prediction for Selina – 4.7/5

Selina’s Trust-the-Dice Score – 2.5/5

Netflix’s Prediction for Cat – 5/5

Cat’s Trust-the-Dice Score
– 5/5

P.S. This movie was based on a book, “If I Stay” by Gayle
Forman. However, there’s a second novel told from Adam’s perspective: “Where
She Went” by the same author.

Tara is the shy girl in school, she doesn’t make any waves.
Hell, she won’t even answer a teacher’s question. What people don’t know,
however, is that she is the loved and popular Radio Rebel when school lets out.

Selina’s Point of View:

I didn’t out-right hate the movie. On some level, I even
enjoyed it a little bit. When I learned that it was a book made into film, I
realized I would have no problem picking the book up. I bet it’s a decent read.

I just don’t think it survived the transitions to film. Not
completely, anyway.

The actors tried, but they didn’t have much to work with and
no one had any chemistry with anyone else. The principal was a caricature at
best. I really hope the book gives more depth to the characters. I know my
imagination would have better acting.

Still, there were some amusing moments and it wasn’t
completely unwatchable.

In the end, it would probably be an interesting film for
young teens and pre-teens, but for me… it is what it is.

Cat’s Point of View:

I remember the trailers for this film running on the Disney
Channel before it first aired, however, I didn’t catch it then. I had high
hopes for the concept, since the premise had stuck with me over the years.

Most of the TV Movies that air for the mouse network are
laced with underlying life lessons. It was no different for this one. I found
the story and the message behind it very compelling. It was something that I
could identify with, personally.

Like any other teen-aimed movie, there were stereotypes
highlighted with the high school class tropes. The message, however, clearly
pushed to ditch such labels in favor of just being yourself and overcoming
obstacles.

When I was younger, I was sometimes almost painfully shy.
It’s still something that I occasionally struggle with. I discovered, much like
the character Tara in this film, that technology was an excellent buffer that
allowed me to more freely express myself and just be me.

Debby Ryan (What If...,
The Suite Life Movie, Secret of the Wings) pulled me along on her
character’s journey. Her performance was the quintessential essence of that
feeling of everything overwhelming swirling around within you and yet lacking
the ability to express yourself face to face.

Her transformation was paced well as she blossomed into
herself. She’s a familiar face from some of the shows my daughter has enjoyed
watching, and I enjoyed her in this role.

While this movie is geared towards teens, I believe it could
be enjoyable at any age.

Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score – None

Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score – 62%

Netflix’s Prediction for Selina – 4/5

Selina’s Trust-the-Dice Score – 2/5

Netflix’s Prediction for Cat – 4.5/5

Cat’s Trust-the-Dice Score
– 4.5/5

The Random Rating:
PG

P.S. This movie is based on the book “Shrinking Violet” by
Danielle Joseph.